Outpatient Procedure, in-network doctor but out of network labs

Hello,

In the beginning of the year I had an outpatient procedure with a relatively newer practice where they seemed like they were just getting started. I no longer see them anymore as it was disorganized and poor quality. At the time I was in a great deal of pain before the procedure and it was difficult to find another provider in my city.

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Everything in the procedure was in-network and reasonably priced except for anesthesia and labs. The anesthesia was billed for $1000, I called and told them it was unexpectedly out of network with an in-network doctor and they dropped it to $200 which I was fine with.

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On the other hand, the labs charged me $4000 then dropped it to $1500 as a "courtesy". I mentioned I did not know they would use out-of-network labs and this violated the No Surprises act. They simply offered me a payment plan and said it did not violate any way. I do not see how it does not violate the law however and they could not give me a reason.

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I also do not have the insurance I had at the time since I had a high-deductible plan while I was unemployed at the time.

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My main questions are:

– Does unexpectedly going outside of network for the labs violate any laws?

– If I do not wish to pay, what are the options?

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Thank you!

submitted by /u/FlowbeeWanKenobi
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